Better Stop Suicide app launched globally

An innovative and life-saving app, Better Stop Suicide, created by a team of leading psychologists and digital health experts, has been launched globally across the Android and Apple app stores.

Globally, over 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is more than one person every minute. It affects the lives of millions more. There are indications that for each adult death by suicide there may have been more than 20 others attempting suicide. And it’s increasing at a rapid rate.

Better Stop Suicide is a free app to simply help people press their own stop button should suicidal thoughts come to them, and to buy time so they can find further help and support. The app, which is available globally on both the Android and Apple app stores, is designed and built to help people stop while their emotions are running high, calm and slow the mind, and help people use their thinking brain.

“It’s important to remember suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and a calm person’s thinking brain knows that,” said John Halker, Co-Founder of The Better Company, which specialises in making apps to save and improve lives.

Key features of the Better Stop Suicide appare; Calming audio files, quick access to key phone contacts, gratitude checklist, built-in alarm clock, better sleep audio file, emotional needs ‘quick’ check, helpful tasks to feel better, and the app allows people to record a life-saving message to themselves.“The design and key features of the app uses proven psychological techniques to make people stop. It helps them become more rational and, when they are feeling calmer, to record a message that will save their own life should they feel suicidal again. It also provides access to support charities and organisations,” added Mr Halker.

Initially, the app and its content are only in English, but Spanish and other language versions will follow.

Better is a health tech company founded in Guernsey, Channel Islands, building apps that help save lives, stop addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling), mental health (suicide, depression, anxiety) and physical problems like obesity and sleep disorders.